Cable-like carbon nanotubes decorated metal-organic framework derived ultrathin CoSe2/CNTs nanosheets for electrocatalytic overall water splitting

The high cost and low reserves of noble metals greatly hinder their practical applications in new energy production and conversion.The exploration of cost-effective alternative electrocatalysts with the ability to drive hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)is extremely significant to promote overall water splitting.Herein,ultrathin CoSe2/CNTs nanocomposites have been synthesized by a facile two-step method,where the ultrathin Co-MOF(metal organic-framework)decorated with cable-like carbon nanotubes(CNTs)(Co-MOF/CNTs)was initially fabricated,and followed a lowtemperature selenization process.The ultrathin CoSe2 nanosheets as well as the superior conductivity of CNTs synergistically resulted in abundant active sites and enhanced conductivity to boost the electrocatalytic activity.The as-prepared CoSe2/CNTs electrocatalysts exhibited an overpotential of190 mV and 300 mV vs.reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)at a current density of 10 mA/cm^(2) for the HER and OER in alkaline solution,respectively,and demonstrated superior durability.Furthermore,the as-prepared bifunctional CoSe2/CNTs electrocatalysts can act as cathode and anode in an electrolyzer,showing a cell voltage of 1.75 V at 10 mA/cm^(2) for overall water splitting.